Review: Haze, an Exeter band that in 1981 endlessly toured the South West of England and released the album "SILVERTOPS REFLECTS HAZE" upon which many contemporary tracks were given the Haze treatment from Barry Manilow's 'I Can't Smile Without You' to Johnny Cash's 'Ghost Riders in the Sky'. In the mix Azymuth's Latin funk anthem 'Jazz Carnival' and Space's legendary electronic 'Magic Fly' surfaced, the latter two of which make up this exceptional 7" release by Panorama records, this relatively new label that celebrates idiosyncratic rarities. Haze seem to like breaking down the original and making space between the beats and yet on this A side an already pumping track pumps faster with an extra electronic edge on the Moog-ish organ, whilst paradoxically Haze's lead guitarist takes on Jose Roberto Bertrami's originally syncopated keys in a more regulated way - not a bad thing if not a jazz dancer but someone who just loves to dance! Intelligently, Panorama have coupled this with Haze's percussion heavy version of 'Magic Fly' on the B side, that even if it remains more so electronic, even poppy, it nicely compliments the Brazilian homage of side A. If you love a rare version, 7" 45s and early 80s jazz funk with a synthesised edge you'll love this.
The Curse (Blood Of An Innocent Is Spilled) (5:38)
The Bird Of A Thousand Voicesf (3:28)
Areg's Calling (Towards The World Above) (5:06)
The Quset Begins (4:40)
The Path Of No Return (3:12)
Areg & Manushak (He Saw Her Reflection In The Water) (3:59)
The Saviour Is Condemned (1:54)
Guidance (Areg Meets Zaman) (2:21)
Flaming Horse & The Thunderbolt Sword (From The Depths Of The Sea) (3:46)
Red, White & Black Worlds (6:14)
Bells Of Memory (2:05)
Only The One Who Brought The Bird Can Make It Sing (5:23)
Prophecy Of A Sacrifice (4:10)
The Demon Of Akn Anatak (2:16)
Temptations (Follow The Luminous Feather (2:34)
Forty Days In The Realm Of The Bottomless Eye (He Brings Light Into The Soil Of Evil) (3:56)
He Refuses To Be Immortal (The Goddess Of Paradise Gives Him The Enchanting Bird) (4:27)
The Return (Through Vast Deserts, Seas & Dark Mountains) (2:59)
Betrayed By Brothers (1:55)
The Well Of Death & Resurrection (4:41)
Sing Me A Song When You Will Be At The Place Where All Is Bliss (2:30)
The Eternal Bird Sings & The Garden Blooms Again (5:57)
Postlude: After Seven Winters (2:23)
Review: Tigran Hamasyan's latest album, The Bird of a Thousand Voices, is his most ambitious work yet and one inspired by a traditional Armenian tale. This transmedia project includes a staged play that premiered at the Holland Festival back in June of this year plus two cinematic music videos, a documentary video, and an online game. The ancient firebird tale, passed down through spoken word over the generations, symbolises the modern world's quest for connection amidst ecological, psychological, and spiritual challenges. By blending Armenian traditional music with jazz improvisation, Tigran, who himself is one of today's most innovative jazz pianists, continues his artistic collaboration with filmmaker Ruben Van Leer to create unique musical experiences.
Review: Back in the depths of the global Coronavirus pandemic, Nick Hoppner and Alex Kassian decided to join forces to record an album, one that would set aside their club credentials and instead focus on their collective love of krautrock, ambient and 'guitar-driven music'. The result is The Big Melt, the duo's first missive as H.A.N.K. Beginning with the immersive, enveloping sound world that is 'Cruise' - a slow-build, effects-laden dreamscape that offers nods to classic Tangerine Dream, shoegaze and 1990s ambient electronica - the album bobs along attractively, with exotic rhythms and intoxicated electronics ('A Useful Fever') sitting side by side with shuffling Balearic instrumentals ('Azul's Garden'), kosmiche epics ('Jag Aar Jag'), sitar-laden wonders ('While My Tar Gently Weeps'), and analogue-rich nods to Neu!, Can and Dunkelziffer ('No Harm').
Review: Chaos Rocks, the fourth album from Alan Davey's Hawkestrel project, continues the forward-looking trajectory initiated by The Future Is Us five years ago. The record maintains the project's tradition of star-studded collaborations. Notably, former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor joins in, lending his guitar prowess to tracks alongside legends like Bob Calvert and Nik Turner. While 'Evil Rock' features Calvert's classic vocal from his Hype LP, the numbers with Turner and Huw Huw Lloyd-Langton offer fresh material. Davey sheds light on the inclusion of unreleased recordings, explaining that Turner's contributions were recorded six years ago, while Cleopatra Records secured the rights to Lloyd-Langton's guitar playing. Despite the passing of Mick Slattery, whose contributions are acknowledged, Chaos Rocks stands as a testament to Hawkestrel's commitment to preserving and evolving the legacy of these iconic musicians.
Review: A three-disc celebration of Hawkwind's thrilling live energy, capturing their September 2023 performance at London's legendary venue. The set blends tracks from their recent 2023 album, The Future Never Waits, with space rock classics spanning decades, proving the band's timeless appeal. Fans can expect explosive renditions of favorites like 'Levitation', 'Spirit of the Age', 'Master of the Universe' and 'Assault and Battery'. Disc three features exclusive rehearsal recordings of tracks like 'Mask of Morning' and 'Frozen In Time', that is a unique glimpse into the band's creative process. Founding member Dave Brock is joined on stage by longtime members Richard Chadwick, Magnus Martin, Doug MacKinnon and Thighpaulsandra. Arthur Brown's surprise guest appearance adds a cosmic flair, delivering spoken-word poetry between songs. This release is a testament to Hawkwind's enduring ability to push the boundaries of space rock. With There Is No Space For Us, their next studio album, slated for 2025, the band shows no signs of slowing down.
Review: Hawkwind's Doremi Fasol Latido stands as one of the band's most defining albums, pushing the boundaries of space rock with its heavy, relentless energy. Released in 1972, it was their first album to feature Lemmy Kilmister on bass and vocals and Simon King on drums. This lineup injected a raw, aggressive edge into Hawkwind's already cosmic sound, propelling tracks like 'Brainstorm' and 'Lord of Light' into new sonic dimensions. 'Brainstorm', an 11-minute psychedelic journey, opens the album with mind-bending intensity, while 'Space Is Deep' brings a haunting calm before launching listeners back into the stratosphere. The album blends the harsh and the serene, balancing driving riffs, Lemmy's pulsating bass and atmospheric electronics. The newly remastered edition from the original tapes adds extra clarity to this space-metal classic, including a bonus single of the rare 1972 German release of 'Lord of Light' and 'Born to Go' (live). This is a progressive space rock landmark.
Review: The raw, mind-expanding energy of a band that invennted space rock and went on to influence everything from punk to electronica, captured at various shows from 1977 to 1982. Opening with tracks from the 1977 Spirit of the Age tour, including the hypnotic 'Quark, Strangeness & Charm' and the anthemic live classic 'Masters of the Universe', the interplay between Bob Calvert's commanding vocals and Dave Brock's driving guitar, paired with Simon House's soaring violin, creates a spellbinding atmosphere. The B-side features some of the band's most celebrated moments, from their most famous single 'Silver Machine' to the frenetic 'Urban Guerrilla', recorded with varied lineups that reflect the band's ever-changing, yet consistently powerful, dynamic. Hawkwind's live brilliance lies in their ability to combine intricate musicianship with immersive, sci-fi-inspired themes. If heavy riffs, swirling synths and hypnotic energy are your bag, this LP will be right up your interstellar highway.
Review: Hawkwind's Live at the Royal Albert Hall captures their mesmerising September 29, 2023, performance at one of the world's most iconic venues. This triple vinyl release serves as both a celebration of their enduring legacy and a testament to their continued innovation in the space rock genre. Following their well-received studio albums The Future Never Waits (2023) and Stories From Time and Space (2024), the live setlist spans decades of brilliance, delivering both timeless classics and fresh favorites. The band electrified the audience with essential tracks like 'Levitation', 'Spirit of the Age' and 'Master of the Universe', alongside newer gems such as 'Rama (The Prophecy)' and the previously unreleased 'Underwater City'. Frontman Dave Brock led the lineup of seasoned musiciansiRichard Chadwick, Magnus Martin, Doug MacKinnon and Tim Lewisithrough a masterclass in cosmic rock, their chemistry palpable throughout the night. Adding to the spectacle was Arthur Brown, whose evocative poetry readings and theatrical presence elevated the performance. This release is not just a live album but an experience, cementing Hawkwind's reputation as pioneers who bridge nostalgia with uncharted sonic adventures. Journey through Hawkwind's ever-expanding universe live with this excellent package!
B-STOCK: Sleeve slightly creased, slight surface marks on records
Levitation (0:30)
You'd Better Believe It (0:30)
Psychedelic Warlords (0:30)
Arrival In Utopia (0:30)
Rama The Prophecy (0:30)
The Beginning (0:30)
Spirit Of The Age (0:30)
Underwater City (0:30)
Assault & Battery (0:30)
Golden Void (0:30)
Peace (1:32)
Right To Decide (7:00)
10th Second Of Forever (5:36)
Born To Go (7:25)
Star Explorer (6:46)
Brainstorm (5:54)
Neurons (2:29)
Black Corridor (6:54)
Master Of The Universe (6:34)
Welcome To The Future (1:42)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve slightly creased, slight surface marks on records***
Hawkwind's Live at the Royal Albert Hall captures their mesmerising September 29, 2023, performance at one of the world's most iconic venues. This triple vinyl release serves as both a celebration of their enduring legacy and a testament to their continued innovation in the space rock genre. Following their well-received studio albums The Future Never Waits (2023) and Stories From Time and Space (2024), the live setlist spans decades of brilliance, delivering both timeless classics and fresh favorites. The band electrified the audience with essential tracks like 'Levitation', 'Spirit of the Age' and 'Master of the Universe', alongside newer gems such as 'Rama (The Prophecy)' and the previously unreleased 'Underwater City'. Frontman Dave Brock led the lineup of seasoned musiciansiRichard Chadwick, Magnus Martin, Doug MacKinnon and Tim Lewisithrough a masterclass in cosmic rock, their chemistry palpable throughout the night. Adding to the spectacle was Arthur Brown, whose evocative poetry readings and theatrical presence elevated the performance. This release is not just a live album but an experience, cementing Hawkwind's reputation as pioneers who bridge nostalgia with uncharted sonic adventures. Journey through Hawkwind's ever-expanding universe live with this excellent package!
Review: Hedvig Mollestad has a considerable weight of recorded music under her belt from her pre-existing trio with Ellen Brekken and Ivar Loe Bjornstad, and now the Norwegian experimental guitarist is heralding a new outfit for further explorations on the outer edges of jazz fusion. Joining Mollestad on her journey this time around is Stale Storlokken on keys, fresh from Supersilent and Elephant9, and promising improv drummer Ole Mofjell. Weejuns is a freewheeling excursion somewhere around the orbit of bands like Henry Cow, Soft Machine and Mahavishnu Orchestra, captured live from various gigs in Oslo and Stavanger and spread across an expansive double album.
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